Money

1Tim.6:[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Money is NOT intrinsically evil. The love of money IS. When we put the pursuit of money above all else it then becomes an evil. Money is a NECESSITY and God knows this but the Christian should maintain a proper perspective on money. Money serves a purpose in each of our lives.

The first need which money satisfies is to eat.

2Thes.3:[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

God doesn’t expect Christians to sit around like a bird and expect Him to provide our sustenance. His people are to be model citizens and as model citizens we are not to be a drain on society by not working but rather to be an industrious people showing others an example of a worker. If you find yourself unemployed for a period then you need to look for employment. This would then be your “job” to find a job.

Secondly we need money to provide for our family.

1Tim.5:[8] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Christians must provide for their house. Our children need food and shelter. They need to be clothed. They need supplies for their education. We need to supply not only their spiritual needs but their physical needs as well. We might attempt to use this as an excuse to go to excesses in our “providing”. In an effort to provide only the “best” we might lose the proper purpose and begin to neglect certain aspects of our Christian duties and do nothing but work. We are warned to not go after money to excesses in First Timothy Six:

1Tim.6:[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.

[7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

We need to realize money is merely a means to obtain things we need. Discontent was the thing which led many an Israelite astray. Having many lusts and never becoming satisfied with that which God supplied them.

Apostle Paul states in Philippians Four:

Phil.4:[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

So yes, a Christian must work but there must be a point of satisfaction. Never losing sight that we are first and foremost to pursue the will of God in our lives. Never replacing serving God with the drive to get more things.

A Christian uses money to show the blessing of God upon His life.

1Corinthians 3:[7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Notice God rewards the effort we put forth. God does not bless laziness but rather blesses the efforts of His people to produce. We do not reap if we do not sow.

Another basic purpose which money fulfills in the Christian walk is to have something to give.

Ephesians 4:[27] Neither give place to the devil.

[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

God wants His people to be a giving people and the only way we have something to give is if we earn something. The only way to earn something is to work.

When it comes to giving it must be:

A group effort

2Cor.1:[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

[22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

It needs be a growing effort.

2Cor.8:[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

God wants us to give incrementally. The more He blesses us the more we should give. Each year things become more expensive to purchase and the cost of supplying needs becomes more.

A willing effort.

2Cor.9:[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

God wants His people to have a giving spirit and does not want us to feel compelled. He gave us all and we should be happy to respond with giving back.